Fans already knew TVXQ‘s Yunho was due for enlistment soon, but it always hurts when it’s confirmed with a statement from the agency. SM Entertainment is preparing fans for the tearful goodbyes to come, revealing that the idol is indeed set to enlist this year as an active duty soldier.

TVXQ recently shed tears at their Tokyo dome concert, telling their fans, “Although we can’t hold concert tours for a while, we promise to come back,” hinting that group activities will probably be put on hold for some time.

When asked about what the two meant when they said that, SM told the press, “It’s true Yunho is planned to enlist as an active duty soldier this year, but the specific time period has not yet been decided on… As he does have to go this year when looking at his age, it seems that’s why he said that at the concert. Timing wise, it was their last Japan tour before enlistment.”

It sure seems like a lot of idols and actors are going off this year. We already said goodbye to Sungmin, Shindong, Jaejoong, and Choi Jin Hyuk, but more names, including Yunho, are bound to be added to this list as the year progresses.